eaven knows I cannot!
The words you utter sound so very sadly,
The streams will follow--

_Jaf._ Come, I'll kiss them dry, then.

_Bel._ _[Hanging on him.]_ But was't a miserable day?

_Jaf._ A cursed one!

_Bel._ I thought it otherwise, and you've often sworn,
When sure you spoke the truth, you've sworn you blessed
it.

_Jaf._ 'Twas a rash oath.

_Bel._ Then why am I not cursed, too?

_Jaf._ No, Belvidera; by th' eternal truth,
I dote with too much fondness.

_Bel._ Still so kind!
Still then do you love me!

_Jaf._ Man ne'er was blessed,
Since the first pair first met, as I have been.

_Bel._ Then sure you will not curse me?

_Jaf._ No, I'll bless thee.
I came on purpose, Belvidera, to bless thee.
'Tis now, I think, three years we've lived together.

_Bel._ And may no fatal minute ever part us,
Till, reverend grown, for age and love, we go
Down to one grave, as our last bed together;
There sleep in peace till an eternal morning.

_Jaf._ Did I not say I came to bless thee?

_Bel._ You did. _[Part._

_Jaf._ Then hear me, bounteous Heaven! _[Kneeling._

Pour down your blessings on this beauteous head,
Where everlasting sweets are always springing,
With a continual giving hand: let peace,
Honour, and safety, always hover round her:
Feed her with plenty; let her eyes ne'er see
A sight of sorrow, nor her heart know mourning;
Crown all her days with joy, her nights with rest,
Harmless as her own thoughts; and prop her virtue
To bear the loss of one that too much loved;
And comfort her with patience in our parting!

_Bel._ How? parting, parting!

_Jaf._ Yes, forever parting!
I have sworn, Belvidera, by yon Heav'n,
That best can tell how much I lose to leave thee,
We part this hour forever!

_Bel._ Oh! call back
four cruel blessing; stay with me, and curse me.

_Jaf._ Now hold, heart, or never!

_Bel._ By all the tender days we've lived together,
Pity my sad condition; speak, but speak!

_Jaf._ Murder! unhold me;
Or by th' immortal destiny that doomed me

_[Draws his dagger._

To this cursed minute, I'll not live one longer!
Resolve to let me go, or see me fall--
Hark! the dismal bell _[Passing bell tolls._
Tolls out for d